Thursday, February 25th, 2016
It was still dark outside as we waited for our ride to Angkor Wat. Our tuk tuk driver picked us up at 5 am, and it was a pretty chilly drive to the ticket station. Then it dawned on me, I might be underdressed! When you visit most temples, you are asked to dress modestly otherwise you can’t enter. I was wearing a long skirt, which was appropriate, but I had a tank top on as well which was a big no-no. I was worried and feeling stupid about it during the ride, and was hoping there was something to buy when we got there.
After getting our tickets, I was pleased to see that there were shops to purchase additional garments inside. I bought a scarf to cover up my shoulders, then we joined a very large crowd to catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat.
I was surrounded by selfie sticks, tall people, people standing on rocks, and tall people standing on rocks with selfie sticks. This doesn’t help much when you’re shorter than the average gal. It was overwhelming, but very pretty to watch once I was able to squeeze through.
Many were still enjoying the sunrise when we decided to get a head start on the crowds moving inside the temple walls. On the way, we passed Reuben who took a bicycle there with a new friend. He was absolutely amazed by the place. Trevor and I had seen so many damn temples we’d become jaded, but tried to sound enthused about it. I didn’t want to put a damper on his experience.
After we had waited in line to go upstairs into the temple itself, I was told by security that although the scarf covered my shoulders and neckline, the scarf was not enough coverage to get in. To be honest, once I walked away I was a little pissy about it. It was a very long line which I would have to return to, and I bought a scarf for nothing. Back to the shops we went, and this time, I was grabbing a shirt instead! I found one that would be appropriate, and even asked the shop lady if it was appropriate just to be on the safe side.
Back in the line we went and this time I was accepted. A much older man was tackling the steep stairs to the top with us, and Trevor was impressed as he always is when he sees a physically fit senior. We chatted with him once we were at the top before slowly descending down the stairs and back outside.
When we got back to the parking lot, there were so many tuk tuks outside that I didn’t think we’d be able to find our driver. Fortunately he spotted us first and waved us down. The place was packed!
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Stubbs Rambles On 